Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas and Egyptian Industry and
Trade Minister Rachid Mohammed Rachid discussed issues concerning
investments and cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, both
bilaterally and in the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean
during a working luncheon they had on Tuesday with the participation
of leading Greek businessmen.

According to a foreign ministry announcement, it was stressed during
the meeting that "the geopolitical and economic role of the two
countries in the region is of strategic importance and we must urge
the forces of the market to undertake actions that will achieve
considerable results benefitting our peoples."

Rachid also gave a press conference in Athens on Tuesday focusing on
the importance of further strengthening trade relations and
investments between Egypt and Greece, through the framework shaped
by the international economic crisis.

He referred to the improvement in trade and economic relations
between the two countries since, as he pointed out, over the past
years many Greek businesses have invested in Egypt in important
sectors of the economy, such as energy, trade, shipping and
banking.

Moreover, he noted that the activation of Egyptian businessmen in
Greece, such as Nagib Sawiris is encouraging more Egyptian companies
to come and invest in the country.

"The increase in trade and investments at bilateral level will
benefit both Egypt and Greece, developing the economies and creating
jobs," the Egyptian minister said.

A joint operation by Greek Police and Port Authorities this week
resulted in the detection of an illegal migrant-trafficking ring
operating out of the port of Patras, western Greece, along with the
arrest of three coast guard officers allegedly involved in the ring.
Besides the three law enforcement officers, another 10 illegal migrants
were arrested after attempting to board passenger ferries in Patras,
the hub for Italy-bound ferry boats in Greece.

Greek stocks continued moving upwards for the second consecutive
session at the Athens Stock Exchange on Tuesday, following a positive
trend in other international markets. The composite index rose 1.96 pct
to end at 1,901.42 points, with turnover at 204.2 million euros, of
which 2.9 million were block trades.